The Sustainable Hemp and Its Benefits and Applications
GUIDES AND TIPS
Greenly World
11/28/20232 min read
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a variation of the Cannabis sativa plant that is grown specifically for non-drug use and industrial purposes. While hemp and marijuana comes from the same species of plant, hemp is distinguished by its extremely low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) (usually less than 0.3%). Hemp has actually been an important crop globally for its strong and durable fibers. The plant has two main varieties - fiber/seed hemp for non-drug use products, and drug-type marijuana which is cultivated for its psychoactive properties.
What can Hemp be Used For?
Hemp has an incredible number of applications thanks to its versatile composition. Its main uses include textiles, rope, paper, construction materials, plastic composites and biofuels. Hemp fibers can be spun into yarn or pulp for textiles and paper. As a construction material, hemp improves insulation and strength in buildings. Bio-composites blend hemp with resins for durable and renewable plastic alternatives. Hemp seeds are nutritious for food or pressed for cosmetic oils. The fully biodegradable plant even converts into biodiesel. With versatile use across industries, hemp has huge potential to replace petroleum-based products.
What are the Benefits of Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and important fatty acids that the body needs. They are particularly high in protein, as well as dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthful fats. Their nutrient composition makes them a highly nutritious food. As another high-value product of hemp cultivation, seeds can be pressed for their rich oil which contains antioxidant properties. Hemp seed oil benefits include moisturizing skin and hair, as well as potential nutritional support for conditions like arthritis and heart disease.
How Sustainable is Hemp?
Hemp grown for commercial use requires little to no pesticides, produces higher crop yields than trees, and enriches soil quality in rotation. As a fast-growing annual, it absorbs carbon from the air and leaves the soil enriched for future crops. Hemp biomass can be broken down to produce renewable energy. By producing versatile materials locally without deforestation, hemp could significantly reduce synthetic fuel and resource consumption. As a crop, hemp is extremely eco-friendly and sustainable to produce. To view some products made from hemp, we've reviewed sustainable shoe brands, in which one of them are made from hemp, click to review or directly to 8000 Kicks
Why is Hemp not More Mainstream?
Despite its versatility and sustainability benefits, hemp faced restrictive legality issues for most of the 20th century due to being incorrectly categorized with marijuana. The Drug Enforcement Administration classed all cannabis, including low-THC hemp, as a Schedule 1 illegal drug since the 1970s. This has hampered the development of a large-scale domestic industry and public awareness of hemp applications. However, the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill legalized commercial hemp farming with THC limits, opening the door for broader opportunities.
Conclusion
Hemp has enormous potential as a multi-purpose, sustainable super-crop. With regulatory barriers now diminishing in places like North America, it seems set for widespread commercial growth beyond niche uses in industries like textiles, cosmetics and health foods. Hemp could play a substantial role in transitioning economies away from fossil fuels and single-use plastics by providing eco-friendly bioproducts at scale. Further research, investment and education will maximize hemp's environmental and economic contributions going forward. If one is interested in a more comprehensive analysis on industrial hemp and environmental benefits, then please view here
Contacts
greenlyworld@hotmail.com